Treatment of Anthrax in Man: Historical and Current Concepts

A critical evaluation of the currently recommended treatments of cutaneous, inhalation, and gastrointestinal anthrax is presented with an historical perspective. The importance of early diagnosis and specific, vigorous therapy, started on suspicion alone, is emphasized. Although Bacillus anthracis is sensitive to sulfonamides and many broad-spectrum antibiotics, the drug of choice is currently penicillin. For the treatment of septicemic anthrax, this study recommends the use of specific anti-anthrax serum to neutralize circulating toxin, as an adjunct to bactericidal antibiotics. It is also recommended that in cases of known anthrax exposure, penicillin prophylaxis should be coupled with with vaccination to prevent latent infection.